A cellar door, bar and beer garden collide against a backdrop of street art at Payten & Jones, bringing something completely different to Victoria’s Yarra Valley.
There’s a compelling story behind this boutique operation. Behn Payten and Troy Jones are born-and-bred locals and long-time friends who made their first wine in 2006 while juggling other jobs. They’d sell their wines each year out the back of a ute, but things slowly became more serious. Still, it wasn’t until they opened their laidback cellar door in 2018 that they both began to focus solely on their business.
Here, you’ll find craft beer, cider, whisky and more served alongside their own distinctive wines, complete with huge street art murals in their covered outdoor area, which creates a large rustic beer garden space. Your visit might even coincide with a DJ or band playing out the back, too. This is a cellar door with great drinks that operates a lot like a bar, making it a very inviting place to hang out.
With just six core team members – including Troy, Behn and Behn’s viticulturist dad Peter – you’re bound to chat to someone central to the operation. You can expect personalised attention with a good chance of a few insider stories thrown in.
The relaxed feel of the venue is no accident either, being a true reflection of this team, while also tapping into a younger, cooler generation of winemakers and drinkers who have fast become fans – and regulars. From the eye-catching merch (look out for their Etiko sneakers collab with Melbourne artist Fausto) to the showcased street art, which has long been a passion for the guys, you get the sense the duo has created their dream hangout. They just also happen to make cracking wines that needed a home, too.
Behn’s hands-off winemaking creates vibrant and approachable wines, so a tasting of the core range, led by one of the team, is essential. It’s $10 per person, which comes off your bill if you buy a bottle.
Included in the range is the Vignerons Chardonnay, a richer varietal expression, and the lively Hollow Bones Chardonnay, which has a lovely flintiness on the nose. The Vignerons Pinot Noir is a bright highlight with a slight grip on the palate, while fans of bigger reds will be drawn to the Wightwick Nebbiolo and Major Kong Syrah.
And what about that 2021 Shit Show Mataro? It’s delicious – all light red fruits upfront, followed by a chewy, firmer finish, thanks to mataro’s notorious tannins. Its name is a fair reflection of the year that was – just like its previous vintage release, the Fuck 20Twenty Mataro. And while things are moving in the right direction, the 2022 edition (coming soon), is looking to be called the 2022 FFS Mataro. Deeply relatable – and drinkable.
While there isn’t a kitchen here, food trucks often turn up on Friday nights and weekends (keep an eye on their socials for details), and local cheese boxes are also available. However, in true Payten & Jones style, guests are encouraged to support local businesses by grabbing a bite from nearby and bringing it in to enjoy at their venue – perhaps some charcuterie from Kitchen & Butcher, pizza from The Bodhi Tree, or a value pack from Monroe’s Burgers.
You might like to match your takeaway meal with a wine from their range, or choose a whisky, beer or even a Spanish vermouth from their wider selection – the team imports the Fot-li Vermut from Priorat, which is so good they gave up trying to make their own (and soon to be stocked at Dan’s, too). The dynamic drinks list is simply determined by what the team loves to drink, so you’re very likely to also hear the stories behind these other brands.
Anyone who appreciates great drinks will enjoy Payten & Jones. The different vibe and set-up here may make traditional wine lovers a little sceptical on arrival, but they're sure to be won over by this surprising cellar door – not least for the quality of the wine. It also makes an ideal stop to break up a tour of some more conventional cellar doors around the region.
Come here for the tastings (book ahead for larger groups), enjoy the relaxed spaces where you can soak up the art, and stay for a chat with the friendly team. Also try to time your visit with live music in the beer garden – bands and DJs often play on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
